London thrill-seekers will soon be able to see the city’s famous skyline from a whole new angle — thanks to a new zip line opening in July.
The concept is the brainchild of Zip World — a Welsh adventure company now branching out to the capital.
London’s new urban zip wire is described as the “biggest, fastest of its kind.”
The 225-meter (738.2-foot) descent will allow riders to travel at speeds of 50 miles per hour.
Riders will be treated to a panoramic, 360-degree perspective on London, glimpsing iconic monuments from Big Ben to The Shard.
Zip wire obsession
The zip line will begin its flight at Archbishop’s Park, a large green expanse south of the River Thames, close to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster.
“Giant zip lines and the greatest cityscape in the world — it seemed such an obvious idea to put the two together,” says Barry Shaverin, founder of Zip World London.
“And Archbishop’s Park is one of London’s best kept secrets — we really want to help it get the attention it deserves.”
Tickets — £22.50 (roughly $29) for an individual adult — are predicted to sell out fast.
The zip line will be up for 12 weeks from July 6, 2017 onwards.
London for adrenaline junkies
In December 2016, a zip line across the Thames was installed by the London Fire Brigade.
Riders raised more than £1 million for Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Adrenaline junkies in London can also enjoy the 178-meter ArcelorMittal Orbit helter-skelter in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, whilst the London Eye pods offer stunning aerial perspective on the city.
Want to fly through the air elsewhere? Here are some of the coolest zip lines across the globe:
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Wales, United Kingdom
Zip World has three Welsh outposts — all of which are worth a visit.
Penrhyn Quarry is home to Velocity — the longest zip line in Europe.
Meanwhile, Zip World Slate Caverns has Titan — which allows groups of four to zip together over the Welsh countryside.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry: Bethesda, Wales, United Kingdom LL57 4YG
Zip World Slate Caverns: Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, United Kingdom LL41 3NB
Icy Strait Point, Alaska, United States
In coastal Alaska, adventurers can enjoy the zip wire at Icy Strait Point.
Six zip lines propel riders above the rainforest at 60 mph — combining an adrenaline rush with gorgeous scenery.
Icy Strait Alaska: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, Alaska, 99829 United States
Eden Project, Cornwall, United Kingdom
England’s longest and fastest zip wire is located at the Eden Project in Cornwall, a popular visitor attraction in southwest England.
Thrill-seekers plummet across Cornwall at 50 mph.
Eden Project: Bodelva, Cornwall, United Kingdom PL24 2SG
Skyline Eco-Adventures, Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii
In Hawaii, zip line enthusiasts can enjoy five wire options at Skyline Eco-Adventures, Haleakala in Maui.
Riders travel across canyons with 90 foot/27 meter drops.
Skyline Eco-Adventures: 18303 Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI 96790, United States
ZipOhio, Hocking Hill, Ohio, United States
ZipOhio at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours launches two wires at a time from the midst of the tree canopy.
Riders then swoop down towards the Hocking River.
Hocking Hill also offers an “X-Tour” — a 2.5 to 3 hour, professionally guided tour, across the river and through caves.
ZipOhio: 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, Ohio 43138, United States
ZipFlyer Nepal, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
Zipflyer Nepal is the world’s steepest zip line — with an elevation drop of 600 meters (2000 feet.)
Nepal’s wire is not for the faint-hearted — it also claims to be the world’s fastest and longest.
For those who can brave the drop, ZipFlyer Nepal also offers stunning views across forest canopies.
ZipFlyer Nepal: Highground Adventures, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Sky Adventures, Arenal Park Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, Sky Adventures offers a thrilling zip line circuit, located in Arenal Park.
Riders are rewarded with spectacular bird’s-eye views of the forest below.
Sky Adventures Arenal Park: Arenal Volcano Park 21007, Costa Rica